New-look Ryhope are confident they can give Hylton a run for the championship which they last won in 1996.

The Wearsiders enjoyed their most successful era in the 80s, clinching the title six times in seven years.

"We have lost some players but brought in four experienced men and we are hoping they will blend with the youngsters,'' enthused spokesman Mattie Summerside.

"The club used to be one of the most feared in the North-East and two decades ago we regularly toppled sides playing at a higher level. Our aim is to get back to those standards and we feel we are on our way.''

Ryhope went to Horden in search of a professional and have signed up left-arm medium pacer and batsman Paul Watson. Early-order batsman Graeme Smith is also moving in from the Collierymen. Quick bowler John Leslie has switched from South Hetton and Graham Anderson, who has also played for Horden, comes in as captain.

It is very much as you were at Hylton who lifted the title for the first time since 1964. Ace batsman Joe Bittlestone is to play another season after announcing his retirement last year.

"We are overjoyed at Joe's decision, he is an integral part of the team. David Hanson will again be skipper and David Batty is expected to play more regularly, so we are confident of challenging - although we accept we will have our hands full with one or two clubs," said seasoned campaigner Owen Williamson who is continuing to play even though he will be 58 next month.

Peterlee, who ran Hylton a close second last season, have lost David Cross to Normanby Hall and Min Mahil, who topped the league averages with 528 runs at 75.3 last season, has also departed. He is expected to sign for Murton.

"I can understand David's reason for moving - he lives on Teesside - but we are very disappointed at the decision of Min who we have nurtured from his early days at the club," said secretary Roy Simpson.

Keith Hewson, who enjoyed a successful 2002, returns as professional and is joined by brother Neil.

Murton could be in the running after ending third last time. They have Calvin Stephenson, the former Crook Town all-rounder back for a second season as professional and he is captain after seasoned campaigner Keith Chapman stood down.

Seaham Park anticipate three former players will be in their line-up for the first game. James Taylor and Michael Evans have signed up and so too has Alan Dick who is awaiting clearance for amateur status. The trio played at Ryhope last year.

Neighbours Dawdon have strengthened. Neville Gustard has moved from Seaham Harbour and Gary Braithwaite, another with Ryhope last season, has switched allegiance.

A blow, though, is the decision of talented youngster Stephen Gale to join Premier League Chester le Street and an injury will cause Ian White to sit on the sidelines for at least the early part of the season. Bobby Stephenson has taken over as captain.

David Tate is captain of Silksworth who show no changes. They now run three junior teams and have a very successful youth set-up with strong links to local schools.

Castle Eden will also rely on last year's players. They have an excellent organisation but have decided not to appoint a professional leaving the side in the capable hands of skipper Alan Unsworth.

George Lincoln will continue his duties as captain of Boldon CA and at Easington, David Kennedy resumes as professional while at Houghton no change is anticipated.

Bill Quay have lost youngster Alex Strange to Gateshead Fell and James Phillips to Sunderland as they put their faith in youth.

The league is inviting any club with an under-11, under-13 or under-15 side whose league does not run competitions at this level to join them. NYSD outfit Blackhall have entered their under-15 team. Any club interested should contact secretary Cliff Jones on 0191 5676468.

* The start of the season is put back 24 hours to Sunday because of the Sunderland v Newcastle derby.